We will be visiting friends near there in a couple of weeks. Anything to do or see? Thanks!

I am not too familiar with Fresno itself however, Yosemite is about 90 miles away http://www.yosemiteparktours.com/index2.html

JDR,

My sypathy goes out to you. I grew up not to far from Fresno. Due to poor health of a family member, I will be returning to that area tomorrow for a short visit.

It is hot and ugly. Yosemite or just about anyplace in the Sierras would be o.k. Otherwise, that's about it.

Dick

In Mid August expect VERY hot temps - 105F+.

Yosemite is a reasonable drive - but the problem is in August it will be totally booked up so over nighting will be out of the question.

Sequoia Nat'l Park is actually closer - not as crowded as Yosemite but still pretty full.

I've been there and sorry to say there's nothing to do there. The residents refer to it as the "armpit" of California.

Hey, come on respondents! Everywhere has something going for it - even Fresno! Check out Roeding Park and the Zoo, the Fresno Arts Center, Discovery Center, and don't forget the Forestiere Underground Gardens. But you can also escape into the Sierra Nevada foothills or on up to Kings Canyon NP (less crowded than the others mentioned), or check out the incredible abundance of nearby fruits and vegetables. At least at one time Fresno County was the most productive ag county in the United States (Selma, down Hwy #99 is the Raisin capital of the world) - and may still be. There is also a minor league professional baseball team there. The quite large Latino population can serve up some pretty tasty mexican dishes, so check that out; and the area was originally settled by (among others) folks of Armenian descent. If memory serves me, William Saroyan is a native Fresnoan.

Enjoy your stay!

That's right, the Raisin capital! Everyone else in California makes wine...in Fresno they make raisins.

That's because it's too hot and dusty to go pick them while they are grapes!

We dont get no respect! JDR, it's not all bad. Yeah it could be hot, but it's "dry heat," as we're quick to say. Someone mentioned the minor league ball team, they're SF Giants affiliated, playing in a brand spanking new ball park. Check out www.fresnogrizzlies.com.
Here are some of our favorite restaurants:
Italian: Bella Pasta, Fratelli's (both casual), Parma's and Venezia Ristorante, little more up scale.
Mexican: Plaza Ventanna
Seafood: Captain Jon's

Hope this helps. You've been told about Yosemite, but there's also Shaver Lake, Huntington Lake (both high Sierra), or Bass Lake and Millerton Lake, lower down.

River Park is a major shopping center with an Edwards Theatre complex, Borders, many restaurants.

Have Fun!

As they say, "its a dry heat, but so is an oven!) I would buy some fruit as it's an excellent ag country and then head to the Sierra as soon as possible. Even if you can't book in Yosemite, stay in Mariposa or El Portal and take a day trip into Yosemite (which will also be hot!)

Seamus,

What a pathetic existence you must have. All you know how to do is to defend SF on and to bash everyone elses city. Give it a rest. Try getting a job instead and use your time more wisely, or maybe you ought to go back to your sandbox.

I have been to Fresno and unfortunately, it really isn't so great. That said, I have heard good things about the underground gardens. I would highly recommend driving to Yosemite, if for no other reason than not to judge CA based on Fresno, and also all the talk about the heat is very true. Dry heat or not - it's hot.

xxx, shall we do a comparison poll: Fresno vs. San Francisco? I didn't bash Fresno, it's just an ag city in the valley in California. Fine for what it is, but hardly a tourist destination. You're very touchy today! Who made you the king of the jungle?